Searchlight participants who attended “The Future of the Urban Poor” convening in Mumbai in April 2011 offer thoughts on their experience in Asia’s biggest slum in comparison to poor communities in their home regions.

By Sowmya Suryanarayanan, Strategic Foresight Group (India)

In the first instance, Dharavi comes across as a typical slum with shacks of varied sizes and shapes piled on top of one another. However, what is remarkable about Dharavi is how this large group of migrant population has managed to create employment opportunities that support them and their families with minimal aid from the government. In addition, they have created markets for their products both within and outside the slum area, which has made the community self sustaining. » Continue reading “Dharavi Reflection 4″

This story originally appeared in our May 5th, 2011 e-magazine. Click here to subscribe

An innovative education model in Bhopal shows one way to give poor urban children access to a quality education.

The Organization for Awareness of Integrated Social Security (OASiS) is a social innovations lab in India where people can experiment with ideas on social development and ultimately become social entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2003, OASiS has developed five social innovations: a social security system, an insurance system for the disabled, a social credit system, a forest village integrated development model and an education model for the children of urban slums called the Museum School. » Continue reading “The Museum School”

The Japanese government announced Tuesday that it would sign a free trade agreement with India on Wednesday, February 16, 2011, that would effectively halt duties on 94% of trade between the two countries over the next decade. Today, India accounts for only 1% of Japan’s global trade. “[The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement] will open up new business opportunities and lead to a quantum increase in trade and investment flows between our two countries,” said Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in October 2010. » Continue reading “The Green Partnership”

In India since 1949, private healthcare has grown from just 8% of healthcare services to 93% of hospitals and 85% of doctors. Private financing makes up 78% of total health spending, which is one of the highest in the world. Approximately 40% of India’s population must either borrow money or sell assets to pay for hospitalization and, each year, nearly a quarter of that number fall into poverty due to medical expenses.

In an article published last week by Guardian reporter Rosalind Miller, Indian cardiac surgeon Dr. Devi Shetty may have found a solution. Globally, Shetty has received acclaim as the chairman and founder of the Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospitals in Bengaluru, India, a 1,000-bed “heart factory.” Here, open-heart surgery costs significantly less than anywhere else in the world. Low-cost surgery is not Shetty’s only proposition: he provides free care to patients who cannot afford to pay and subsidizes their care by charging those who can pay a higher rate. The Bengaluru hospitals have coined the nickname “health city.” » Continue reading “The IKEA of Healthcare”

This story originally appeared in our December 31, 2010 e-magazine. Click here to subscribe.

These five affordable housing projects are giving low-income households the chance to live in 200-700 ft² apartments at an average monthly payment of US$90.

Tanaji Malusare City, Matheran Realty

Tanaji Mulusare City (TMC), located in the suburb of Karjat in Mumbai, provides 15,000 affordable apartments over a 100 acre plot. The units range from 156 ft²to 397 ft², and are approximately priced between US$4,500 to US$16,500. TMC has earmarked space for amenities like schools and hospitals, and has social infrastructure like a fire brigade and police station. It is one of the largest affordable housing developments in India today.

Photo credit: Flickr user Ahron de Leeuw

Shubh Griha, Tata Housing

Shubh Griha is Tata Housing’s flagship plan to bring affordable housing to the bottom of the pyramid (BoP). With two developments in the Mumbai suburbs, it is a great example of well-planned affordable housing. It offers 70% open spaces, eco-friendly design, playground, gym and jogging track. The units range from 283ft²to 489 ft², and are priced between US$8,500 to US$15,000.

Photo credit: Flickr user Carol Mitchell

Janadhaar Shubha, Janadhaar Constructions

Janaadhar Shubhais being developed on an 11.5 acre plot in the outskirts of Bengaluru city. The township consist of 1140 apartments that range from 400ft²to 615 ft², with one-bedroom houses priced underUS$11,500. The facilities provided include a primary school and play area. Janaadhar discourages affluent buyers according to promoter Ramesh Ramanathan.

Photo credit: Flickr user orange tuesday

Navjivan, Atmiya Developers Pvt Ltd

Navjivan consists of 400 affordable homes being built in Vatva, Ahmedabad, which range from studio to two-bedroom apartments, starting at US$6,200.The project is located in an existing residential area with access to schools, markets, basic healthcare facilities and bus transport. It is also one of the few affordable housing projects to incorporate sustainability elements in its design.

Photo credit: Flickr user Ahron de Leeuw

Ashray Homes, Value Realtors Pvt Ltd

Ashray is an affordable housing project spread over 8.5 acres in Lodhana, Rewari, Haryana. It offers a choice between 280 ft² and 450 ft² standalone homes approximately priced at US$6,400 and US$10,900, respectively. A unique aspect of this project is that home owners have the option of adding an extra floor to their home in the future. The project will have 600 homes with facilities like water harvesting, a school, hospital, park as well as a daily needs store.

Photo credit: Flickr user utpal

This story originally appeared in our December 3, 2010 e-magazine. Click here to subscribe.

There’s no doubt that the demand for investment is growing, but how much opportunity is there? Nisha Kumar Kulkarni examines the investment potential and how it’s being measured.

Approved Proposals and Credit Issued under India’s Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises

Since 2000, the Small Industries Development Bank of India has increased the amount of credit issued to micro, small and medium enterprises. There has been growing demand for bank funding. » Continue reading “By the Numbers: Today’s Impact Investing Industry”

The Importance of the SME sector

Everyday this week, we bring to you some key findings of our Indian Social Enterprise Landscape Survey.

Main Sources of Financing – Limited access to the commercial financing

The survey results revealed that there is a clear divide between those that have access to mainstream and/or commercial funds and those that rely on personal connections and grants/donations to raise money. The ratio is about 50/50. Forty-five percent of respondents obtained funds from commercial sources whereas 21% of respondents source their funds from personal connections such as family members and friends; another 21% rely on grants and donations from charitable organizations.

The survey report, which offers an in-depth analysis of the results, is available for INR400/US$10. Just click the Social Enterprise Landscape Survey Report banner on the top of our website – www.beyondprofit.com or send an email to Asako Matsukawa atpublications@intellecap.com.

See other data sets from the Social Enterprise Landscape Survey

Revenue Stream

Profitability

Sectors to Watch

Everyday this week, we bring to you some key findings of our Indian Social Enterprise Landscape Survey.

Challenge – Financing

The results reveal that acquiring funding is by far the biggest challenge for social entrepreneurs. Forty four percent of enterprises said that Financing/Funding is their main challenge.

The survey report, which offers an in-depth analysis of the results, is available for INR400/US$10. Just click the Social Enterprise Landscape Survey Report banner on the top of our website – www.beyondprofit.com or send an email to Asako Matsukawa atpublications@intellecap.com.

See other data sets from the Social Enterprise Landscape Survey

Revenue Stream

Profitability

Sectors to Watch

Everyday this week, we bring to you some key findings of our Indian Social Enterprise Landscape Survey.

Sectors to Watch

Education
Sector with a track record of profit
The Education sector has shown a marked degree of financial stability and growth potential. There are two key elements. First, the sector represents the highest number of profit-making enterprises (38%) among others, and also has one of the lowest numbers of loss-making entities (24%). Second, we observed a good growth potential; 38% of education enterprises are breaking even — which means the number of profit-making enterprises in this sector could increase in the coming years.

Health
Sector with large growth potential
Although the sector currently produces a very small number of profit-making entities, it has the lowest percentage (13%) of loss-making enterprises. Most importantly, at 73%, the Health sector has the largest segment of break-even businesses. If/when these enterprises begin to turn a profit, the Health sector could sustain a multitude of successful, profit-making enterprises.

Rural Development
Sector to watch out for future growth
Despite the fact that the largest number of social enterprises are in this field, it is the biggest loss-making sector at the moment. However, Rural Development demonstrated the largest revenue increases last year, so there could be more surprises in store.

The survey report, which offers an in-depth analysis of the results, is available for INR400/US$10. Just click the Social Enterprise Landscape Survey Report banner on the top of our website – www.beyondprofit.com or send an email to Asako Matsukawa at publications@intellecap.com.

See other data sets from the Social Enterprise Landscape Survey
Revenue Stream
Profitability